Cheap
calls to China Mobiles via a
TalkTalk line from 0.5p/min

Warning. On 1 July Ofcom introduced regulations that changed the way consumers are charged to call 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers.
Please be aware this means some of the prices in the Callchecker won't be accurate for a short while until we've managed to update the data.

Warning! There's no way to know prices for your provider. Select BT as a guide, but beware prices may vary HUGELY.

Pick your method

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Warning!
This is an AUTO-generated list, errors can and do happen. Always double check the price first yourself.

What is a 'simply dial' provider?

There's no need for an account with these providers; they can be accessed instantly.

Simply dial the special access number listed which connects you to the provider's system and you are charged the rate listed for making the call (which is for calls from UK landlines, it may be more from mobiles).

Once connected, you 'simply dial' the number you want to call at no further charge.

These companies make their money by receiving a proportion of the income from the access calls.

Warning: As the call charge starts the moment you're connected to the access number you're paying immediately, so if the person you're calling is engaged or out, you still pay. Even so the tiny comparative prices of these calls make it worthwhile.

What is an 'account needed' provider?

Here you must first set up an account via the internet. Once that's done access the service by dialling (for free) a short four or five digit prefix or freephone number. Then dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

Do note most of these providers charge a connection fee (ie., a fixed amount per call).

These types of providers require registration but are easy to use. Here are the specific notes for 18185.

Step 1:Set up an account via the internet.

Step 2:Access the service by dialling the following number depending on your main provider:

Provider

Number

BT:

18185

Sky:

0808 1 703 703

Virgin:

0808 1 703 703

Primus:

0808 1 703 703

TalkTalk:

0808 1 703 703

Mobiles:

020 81 80 2828

(Calls to this number will be taken from inclusive minutesor charged at local rates on top of the per minute rate)

Step 3:Dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

Do note most of these providers charge a connection fee (ie, a fixed amount per call).

What is an 'account needed' provider?

These types of providers require registration. Here are the specific notes for 18866.

Step 1:Set up an account via the internet.

Step 2:Access the service by dialling the following number depending on your main provider:

Provider

Number

BT:

18866

Sky:

0808 1 701 701

Virgin:

0808 1 701 701

Primus:

0808 1 701 701

TalkTalk:

0808 1 701 701

Mobiles:

020 81 803 803

(Calls to this number will be taken from inclusive minutesor charged at local rates on top of the per minute rate)

Step 3:Dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

Do note most of these providers charge a connection fee (ie, a fixed amount per call).

What is an 'account needed' provider?

These types of providers require registration. Here are the specific notes for 1899.

Step 1:Set up an account via the internet.

Step 2:Access the service by dialling the following number depending on your main provider:

Provider

Number

BT:

18866

Sky:

0808 1 708 708

Virgin:

0808 1 708 708

Primus:

0808 1 708 708

TalkTalk:

0808 1 708 708

Mobiles:

020 81 804 804

(Calls to this number will be taken from inclusive minutesor charged at local rates on top of the per minute rate)

Step 3:Dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

Do note most of these providers charge a connection fee (ie, a fixed amount per call).

Mainstream

Mainstream providers are the big providers who you pay line rental too and automatically route all your calls without dialling a pre-fix. These carriers are rarely the cheapest and are primarily included to demonstrate how much you can save.

Voip or voice over internet protocol uses the internet to transmit voice calls. All you need to do it is a headset and broadband connection. It's possible to get free PC to PC calls (see the VOIP Free Calls guide). The CallChecker lists prices for PC to phone calls and while usually not that cheap, special offers can them worth checking out.

Warning: Some VOIP providers offer free calls to certain destinations. These free calls are for a limited time, after which you'll be charged the normal rate.

Sim cards

Specialist sim cards that you can use in an unlocked phone (see Mobile Unlocking) and give you access to cheaper rates. Simply get a free sim card, top-up and dial your destination number; there's no need to dial a special access number first. UK rates tend to be pricey so only use it for international calling.

These are providers that don't require you to set up an account but instead of the cost of each call appearing on your main provider's bill, here you dial a special number to charge your line. For example a premium rate number 09xxx, and either your mobile or landline account will have ï¿½5 debited from it. You then use this credit to access cheaper calls.

Pay a year upfront
It's often cheaper to pay a year upfront, eg, BT's Line Rental Saver is £169.90/yr upfront, which works out a £14.16/mth (usually £16.99/mth).

Put down and redial
'Unlimited' call packages are actually free only up to the first hour or so. So hang up before the deadline and redial.

Free web to web calls
You can talk to anyone worldwide for free web to web if you both have the same free software. See Free Web Calls.

Know your peak
Check when peak and off-peak is. BT and TalkTalk are 7am to 7pm not 6am to 6pm, an hour less of cheap early evening calls.

Free mobile calls via apps
If you've got a smartphone, use free apps that let you speak over the web free. Do it over WiFi to avoid huge mobile data charges.

Warning! This is a computer generated list
Please note this tool updates override provider rates regularly, but may take longer to reflect the cost of calling an override provider from some landlines. Data collection errors can happen (and firms may give wrong info). Always double-check prices.

New to this? Make a test call
There's little recourse if you're overcharged, so make a short test call first, then check your bill to see if it's what you're charged.

These are no-frills providers
If line quality is poor, or capacity limited simply avoid it and pick the next cheapest.

With 'Simply Dial' providers you pay even if they don't answer
If you just dial the access number, you're paying as soon as that's connected even if the person called is out or engaged.

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